Review: Ice Cleats

Three pairs of ice cleats that will help you come to grips with wintry runs.

When your favorite running route is covered in powder, you can retreat to the safety of a treadmill--or simply brave the elements. If you choose to venture outdoors, ice cleats work like tire chains for your shoes to significantly improve your traction across snow and icy surfaces. So whatever winter throws your way, these three cleats will help you handle it.

Yaktrax Pro:The Pro's rubber frame and Velcro strap fit snugly over a variety of shoes, and the coiled-steel bands that crisscross the outsole enable you to run on both slushy ice and packed snow. While the coils are barely noticeable in the ice and snow, they can create a bumpy ride on bare pavement.Price: $30Contact:yaktrax.com

Petzl Spiky Plus:This lightweight rubber cleat provides steady footing when you hit black ice and doesn't get in the way when you cross dry surfaces. The six small carbon-steel spikes are best for icy sidewalks and recently plowed roads; they tend to lose traction in deep snow.Price: $30Contact:petzl.com

Stabilicers Sport:Although they might be over-kill for running on a freshly plowed road, the Stabilicers are ideal when conditions are at their worst. The cleats' hard rubber lugs and nine 1/8-inch steel cleats allow for a reliable grip on icy sheets and hard-packed trails.Price: $4032north.com